Bonny Balmoral

Balmoral Castle’s grand ballroom with Tudor details, mounted trophies, and gilt chandeliers

Known widely as the late Queen’s favorite residence, Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland plays an important role in the history of the royal family. With its high Scottish Baronial architecture—a variant of Gothic Revival—lush, sprawling grounds, and beautifully appointed heirloom antiques, it’s no wonder she considered Balmoral her “happy place”. A fitting location then, that it should play host in her Majesty’s final hours.

Pictured above is Balmoral’s grand ballroom. Dramatic high ceilings, Tudor-style architectural accents and mounted taxidermy give the space a rustic, lodge-like quality. Gilt chandeliers and richly brocaded tapestries incorporate a more gracious, opulent dimension.

Entrance hall at Balmoral Castle with antlers and dark timber details — *The lodge-like theme continues. Robust yet restrained decoration makes a perfect introduction to the rest of the home.*

Ground floor hallway with slim Gothic arches and a wide spiral staircase — *A colonnade of slim Gothic arches flanks a wide spiral staircase, creating rhythmic dynamism in beautiful natural light.*

Balmoral dining room with studded leather chairs, simple mirrors, and French windows — *Studded leather chairs, large plain mirrors, and heavily draped French windows create a cozy, inviting dining room.*

Central drawing room with tartan carpet, floral wallpaper, and richly upholstered seating — *Wall-to-wall tartan and floriated Victorian wallpaper conjure Highland charm; overstuffed couches and plush drapery amplify the warmth.*

The Queen’s bedroom with fleur-de-lis wallpaper and a canopy bed framed by an antique textile — *Simple yet luxurious: fleur-de-lis wallpaper, marbleized wood finishes, and an antique textile above the canopy bed.*

Exterior view of Balmoral Castle and its grounds

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Gilt lighting: crystal or gilt-bronze chandeliers and sconces for ceremonial glow.
Heirloom mirrors: large gilt or ebonized frames to amplify scale and light.
Leather seating: studded dining chairs or club chairs to echo lodge sensibility.
Tartan textiles: rugs, blankets, and curtains in Highland palettes.
Victorian florals: wallpapers or fabrics to soften stone and timber.
Country-house accents: antler/trophy forms, horn or silver accessories.

Photo: The Royal Collection Trust.

Bonny Balmoral

GET THE LOOK

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